BLACK HILLS & BADLANDS REGION George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL AMERICA’S SHRINE OF DEMOCRACY Gazing over the Black Hills, four U.S. presidents represent hope, determination and the spirit of a nation. A HISTORICAL CHALLENGE Between Oct. 4, 1927, and Oct. 31, 1941, Gutzon Borglum and 400 workers sculpted the colossal faces of U.S. presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln to represent the first 150 years of the great experiment in democracy — America. But Borglum faced monumental obstacles in pursuit of his dream. Harsh winters and inadequate funding often stalled progress. Mount Rushmore National Memorial stands not only as a rock-solid reminder of our national pride, but as a monument to the patriotism and determination of a sculptor and the local crew of miners he guided in carving a mountain into one of the wonders of the world. Borglum’s vision was considered an unrealistic fantasy by many of his contemporaries. But by the time the memorial was completed, the naysayers’ skepticism had been transformed into the wonder and amazement that continues to this day. When first laying eyes on the sculpture, everyone is awed by its size. The faces of the four presidents tower 5,500 feet above sea level and are scaled to men who would stand 465 feet tall. After 34 // #DiscoverBlackHills appreciating the work and ingenuity that went into the sculpture, visitors recognize it as a work of art. Borglum’s artistic genius is apparent in the placement of the faces, as the sun’s passage creates ever-changing shadows that bring mobility and fluidity to the monument. PLAN YOUR VISIT Every year, nearly 3 million visitors travel from around the world to experience the wonder of the mountain carving and immerse themselves in history and the natural surroundings of the Black Hills. In 2020, the memorial will be undergoing some outstanding upgrades that will elevate visitors’ experiences for generations to come. The memorial will remain open to visitors during construction. Read more about the upgrades on Page 36. Find parking readily available in the memorial’s parking complex. Fees apply. The first stop for many visitors is the Information Center, located just inside the entrance. Here, park rangers can answer your questions and you’ll find the scheduled times of special cultural events, educational programs, guided walks and Ranger Talks.
South Dakota Vacation Guide South Dakota Vacation Guide South Dakota Vacation Guide 2020: Page 34
